CANDIDATE ANNOUNCEMENT: Selectman Kevin Caira Announces Re-Election Campaign For Select Board

Below is an announcement from the Select Board Kevin Caira campaign:

WILMINGTON, MA — Selectman Kevin Caira has announced his candidacy for re-election to the Wilmington Select Board. First elected in 2016, Caira said, “My goal is to ensure that Wilmington continues to grow responsibly, that we maintain its affordability, and that the Town adequately provides programs and services for all our residents.”

Prior to his serving on the Board, Caira served the Town as Vice Chairman of the Yentile Farm Recreational Development Committee and the Nine Cross Street Fundraising Committee. His leadership helped build the largest and most comprehensive recreational facility in Wilmington. During his nine years as Selectman, he has served on numerous committees including the Tax Increment Finance Committee, which enabled major expansion of Analog’s global headquarters in Wilmington, the Town Hall & School Administration Building Committee, and the MSBA Wildwood School Building Committee. As Chairman of the Board, he worked with the legislative delegation and MBTA Administration to initiate the construction of a new platform at the North Wilmington Train Station. He established the Economic Development Committee and the Rink Committee for which he continues to serve as a member.

Caira highlighted several accomplishments over the past nine years, including the hiring of a new Town Counsel, Town Manager, Finance Director and the Town’s AAA Bond Rating. Caira initiated the Butters Row Bridge replacement project, the expansion of the Wildwood Cemetery, and the lease of over 8 acres of recreational space on Lowell Street. He spearheaded the funding for the roof and window replacements at the Harnden Tavern and he was a strong supporter of the new Senor Center. Since being on the Board, he has voted to reduce the tax burden on Wilmington residential tax payers. Recognizing the need for more affordable housing, he advocated for the Town inclusionary bylaw. Caira supported the creation of a substance abuse coordinator position. He has been a strong supporter for veterans’ services and public safety. Town Manager Eric Slagle publicly recognized Caira for identifying Town property near the Regional Health Center as the location of a new Fire substation.

Long active in the community, Caira was a founding member and Vice Chairman of the Wildcat Athletic Alumni and Friends Association.  He coached Wilmington Little League and Senior League baseball and served as a basketball coach for the Wilmington Recreation Department, where with the Department, he initiated a new basketball program for high school juniors and seniors.

Caira is a longtime supporter of the Wilmington Band Parents programs; a member of the Wilmington Knights of Columbus; the Wilmington Kiwanis; and a member and former President of the Wilmington Sons and Daughters of Italy, where he spearheaded numerous programs and fundraising drives in support of many important Town initiatives. His organizational and leadership skills resulted in his election to many prominent positions in the Sons and Daughters of Italy including that of State President and  National Vice President. He was instrumental in securing a grant with the Italian government for Wilmington High School to re-establish the Italian language program.

Caira recently retired as the Retirement Administrator for the City of Amesbury after twelve years of service. Prior to his position in Amesbury, he worked twenty-one years as an administrator for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State Retirement System.

“I know what it takes to forge consensus among people of diverse viewpoints. If re-elected to the Select Board, I will continue to conduct myself both in public and private as I have all my life, civil in tone, respectful of others, and tolerant of a wide variety of opinion. I will continue to be a strong, independent voice on the Select Board. Residents can be assured that every decision I make will be what I believe is in the best interest of the Town of Wilmington.”

Caira, who grew up on Chestnut Street, is a 1980 graduate of Wilmington High School and furthered his education at Boston State College. He and his wife Cheryl (Lumb) live on Woburn Street. Both of their children, Amy and David are graduates of Wilmington High School.

“I believe that each one of us has an obligation to help our community. I am honored and privileged to be given that opportunity to serve Wilmington as a member of the Select Board, and I encourage residents to reach out to me with their questions or concerns via my phone number (978-657-7734) or email address (kevincaira57@gmail.com).”